Deader - The Deadening

Birthed in 2017 in the land of Melbourne, Australia, Deader is an industrial and EBM two piece formed by Scud Viney and Lou Cormick. Taking their influences from the later, darker end of 80s electronic music, these two create rough, raw, and gritty music for all us outcasts to thoroughly enjoy. The band's history can be traced back to their debut EP entitled "Deadest" which released in September of 2017. While showing potential, "Deadest" still sounded more or less like a collection of demo tracks released onto the world. Nonetheless, the pair continued forth and have come to us with their debut album "The Deadening". 

And though they do have an obsession with anything that is devoid of life signs, their debut album is very bright and brimming. Fueled by a dedication to bringing obscure sounds to heavy and sweaty industrial club nights with plenty of noise infused in between every synthesized crack, Deader is here to make a name for themselves and there's no way around that. 

The album starts off with the introductory track 'Metal Skin' which features distraught rhythms and a ton of samples featuring gun shots, screaming, and what sounds like an action packed car chase that does not end well for at least one person. After that we are thrust into the only song that I just could not find any revel in and that would be 'Unreconciled'. While it does have a very organic intro bit featuring a cooling background synth and faced paced electronic percussion, the rest of the track lacks any kind of power or punch the rest of the album delivers. 

However any negative thoughts I may have gained upon listening to the album from that song immediately ended when I entered the ghostly inhabited vibes of 'Decay'. Featuring dual vocals of the infamous EBM growl as well as a banshee's wild screech, 'Decay' is just a smashing bit to get through. My favorite song on "The Deadening" hit next. 'The Weight' is just a fantastic, darkly melodic electro-industrial masterpiece. From calmer dual vocals from both parties to their absolutely destructive shouts and growls, the way these two work together is phenomenal. 

Both the title track of the album and the following song 'La Fin Absolue Du Monde' continue the angry tone of the song by focusing on their shouts and a more streamlined EBM projection. 'Everything Burns' continues the mixture of dirty electro-industrial with heavy EBM percussion bits, while 'Rats in the Walls' features heavier beats all around. 'To Shed the Old Dead Skin' is probably the most experimental song on the album, containing a wall of higher pitched and curious synths in the background. They come down from time to time to feature more gritty textures, but the approach was pleasing. The final song on the album 'Flesh Indictment' is perhaps the one that will get your blood pumping more than any of the other tracks combined. While the song is bonkers from start to finish, the chorus is a jam session that went all too well. 

"The Deadening" is also available in physical format as well. Released via the Australian record label Cat Fight Records, the cassette comes house just like any other would. The cover art is completely abstract and odd, but wonderful to look at. Inside the J-card are the credits as per normal. There is also a small poster featuring the cover art of the album, as well as a lyrics sheet directly on the back of it. It is a bit small, so anyone with eye problems might need a magnifying glass. The cassette itself is just red with no actual markings on it, which is a bit of a bummer. Nonetheless, I am just happy that they were able to put out a physical edition as I happily have this in my collection now. 

While I don't think Deader will be breaking mainstream audiences anytime soon, I do believe that this is an act that deserves a lot more attention than they are currently getting. Their sound design is unique and I can't say I have quite heard anyone else on the market like them, even with new EBM/industrial groups sprouting out of the Earth like there's no tomorrow. Do yourself a favor and grab this album. 


Jul 04 2018